It’s important to realise that absentee voting is not available at Local Government Elections; you can only cast a vote on the day within the boundaries of your Local Government Area, which is why pre-poll voting is so important.

Your other option is a postal vote, applications are open until 5 September. Details are available via the Vote NSW website.

There are 26 candidates standing for election to the nine places on Bega Valley Shire Council.

It is up to each candidate to make themselves known and engage with the community ahead of polling day.